County property tax statements Page A2
Launches bid for governor Page A2
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021
VOL. 130, NO. 24 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Supply chain disruption impact
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Large container ships, such as this one, are navigating up and down the Columbia River in an effort to replenish consumer supplies impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local businesses struggle to meet demand ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
A supply chain shortage, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has rattled Oregon. With global shipping container prices rising and transport moving at crawl speed, the nation, its businesses and consumers are challenged by unprecedented goods and service delays. Local impact The Chief reached out to several local businesses to find out how the supply chain shortage has affected daily operations and its customers. The supply chain backups are the result of many issues coming together, according to Clatskanie Safeway Manager Jay Feeney. “On the distribution side, our beer and wine company are short 20 drivers right now,” he said. “Nabisco had a strike and they’re behind. Pepperidge Farms doesn’t have the manpower or the ingredients to make anything right now, and
they’re down to just a few items on the shelf.” Nabisco and Pepperidge Farms products are hard to come by at Safeway locations, since a process that would normally take distributors a week is now taking two months or longer. “I’ve been doing this for 47 years and I’ve never ever seen it this bad,” Feeney said. According to Clatskanie Builders Supply Manager Robert Keyser, lumber prices have stabilized from last summer, but other building supply shortages persist. “Last summer, it was lumber and lumber pricing, which went crazy. It went from a 400 to 500% increase in plywood and lumber costs, and that has now come back down to normal,” he said. “But we still have a really tough time getting other things like PVC pipe, plumbing products, electrical products. Windows are so far behind we quit selling them.” For the past six months, the crew at Clatskanie Builders Supply has also been struggling to fill farm and fencing supplies orders. “There are still a few things that we haven’t gotten,” Keyser said. “It kind of shifts around a little bit. At first it was lumber and plywood,
then it was farm and ranch-type fencing and now it’s more plumbing and electrical. Just when you think something starts to get better, something else pops up.” Keyser said that his store partnered with a local business to make up for the losses in inventory.
Just when you think something starts to get better, something else pops up. ~ Robert Keyser, Clatskanie Builders Supply
“We actually partnered with Dahlgren’s in St. Helens to buy direct truckloads at times when we couldn’t get things, and to share our inventory so that we’re not out,” he said. “A lot of times we’ll buy a full truckload of something and split it. It’s one of the things we have to do.” Clatskanie Builders Supply has responded to the supply chain shortage by adapting its business practices, according to Keyser. “Right now, it’s just a case of
finding what we can, trying to have multiple sources for things, and spending every day looking at what my main vendors are out of and where else I can get it,” he said. Keyser said he believes that the situation is looking up for now. “I would say it’s getting a lot better. But it’s not done,” he said. Beard&Son Construction LLC owner Dean Beard said that the construction industry has seen firsthand how the supply chain disruption affects customers anxious to complete their home projects. “It takes three to four months to get windows, so it really affects the homeowner that has to wait that long to get something done. A lot of times we lose the job because they don’t want to wait that long,” he said. “When someone wants to get something done, they don’t want to wait four to five months to do the job.” According to Beard, though the construction company has been occupied from day one of the pandemic, rising prices present yet another obstacle to the industry. “Ever since COVID hit my business, this has been the busiest I’ve ever been,” he said. “I think a lot of it is because a lot of people are staying home and they’re wanting to
do more projects. But you know, the problem again is it limits my customers because a lot of people can’t afford the lumber prices.” Across the county The Chief also spoke with other retailers in Columbia County experiencing similar difficulties. For example, St. Helens Ace Hardware Operations Manager John Ketels said that his store is experiencing large warehouse shortages almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. “One-hundred percent of our business is based on product that we can get from our Ace Hardware warehouse that is located close to Yakima, Washington,” he said. “We’re dependent on what they’re able to get for suppliers. Right now, we’re running about fifty percent of what we ordered that we’re getting.” St. Helens Ace Hardware General Manager Melissa Peterson said that some of these delayed items include sealant, plumbing tools, electrical breakers, paint, propane, and canning jar lids. See SHORTAGE Page A3
‘Possible misuse’ of Port funds JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Columbia City Police are now reviewing a report from the Port of Columbia County concerning ‘possible misuse’ of port funds by former Executive Director Doug Hayes.
Obituaries ................. A3 Police Blotter ............A3 Opinions ................... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Sports.........................A6 Community Events ...A6
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Columbia City Police Sgt. Jerry Bartolomucci told The Chief that he is reviewing the case. “I am reviewing documents and use of the (Port) credit card,” Bartolomucci said. “Once that is completed, I will talk to the individuals involved that used the card.” Following his review, Bartolomucci said he expects to write a report that will be forwarded to the Columbia County district attorney’s office for possible consideration of charges. Under such a case, law enforcement reviews any possibility of fraud. Bartolomucci said penalties, including any fines and jail time would vary depending on the dollar amount that might be involved if fraud is substantiated. Columbia County District At-
torney Jeff Auxier was limited in his reply to The Chief concerning the investigation. “I cannot comment on the status of a pending investigation but suffice it to say that we take the misuse of government funds very seriously.” The case emerged following Haye’s unexpected resignation in late September. At that time, the port commission did not release any details about what led to the resignation. In an open letter to the community and media, issued Friday, Oct. 15, the port commission revealed that an investigation about ‘possible misuse of Port funds’ by Hayes, was underway. “We are investigating the possible misuse of Port funds by Mr. Hayes. The alleged improper use came to light after an employee
reported concerns to the Port Commission. Mr. Hayes resigned and recently paid the Port back $23,335. This represents the total amount identified. This was a significant breach of trust, and we will complete a thorough investigation,” the open letter reads. The Chief reported that on June 14, 2017, Port of St. Helens announced the official hiring of Hayes as the new executive director. The Port commission voted 4-0 to extend an offer to Hayes at a starting salary of $116,000 with additional benefits. See the port commission’s full open letter with this story at thechiefnews.com. The Chief will continue to provide updates about this story as they develop.
Chief photo
Former Port of Columbia County Executive Director Doug Hayes is the center of the investigation.
Port Westward rezone challenged JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon have filed a legal challenge with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals to Columbia County’s controversial decision to rezone over 830 acres of prime farmland and wetlands for heavy industrial development along the Columbia River. This marks the county and Port of Columbia County’s third attempt to rezone the area following successful legal challenges brought by a local farmer, Columbia Riverkeeper, and 1000 Friends of Oregon to stop the rezone. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved the Port of Columbia County’s application to rezone 837 acres at Port Westward from Primary Agriculture to Resource Industrial Planned Development Sept. 22. Port Westward is a deep-water
port with existing dock facilities and direct access to the 43-foot federal navigation channel in the Columbia River. The 837-acre expansion area at Port Westward will address the need, both at the local and state level, for industrial land, according to supporters. Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon submitted detailed comments to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals in their legal challenge describing how the port’s proposal failed to meet the minimum requirements of Oregon’s land use laws. Read the full legal challenge with this story at thechiefnews.com. Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon are represented by Crag Law Center, a non-profit environmental law center serving Pacific Northwest communities. Oregon law allows for appeals to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, which would likely issue a decision in several months.
Courtesy photo
Port Westward is a deepwater port with existing dock facilities and direct access to the 43-foot navigation channel in the Columbia River. It is the center of a rezone debate.
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Friday, October 22, 2021
Sen. Johnson announces bid to be governor JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
State Sen. Betsy Johnson, of Warren, announced Thursday, Oct. 14 on her Facebook page that she is running for Oregon Governor, “as an independent leader unaffiliated with any party and loyal only to the people of Oregon.” The following is Johnson’s Facebook letter. Dear Friends: With an election for Governor fast approaching, Oregonians are eager for a fresh start and new leadership. But having to choose between another left-wing liberal promising more of the same or a right-wing Trump apologist – is no choice at all. Oregonians deserve better than the excesses and nonsense of the extreme left and radical right. Oregonians are ready to move to the middle where sensible
solutions are found. That’s why I have decided to run for Governor as an independent leader unaffiliated with any party and loyal only to the people of Oregon. I will be a no-nonsense leader with the backbone and life experience to tame the partisan excesses and with the humility to know that delivering results matters more than who gets credit. As Governor, I will force the two parties to work together to put Oregon ahead of narrow partisan politics. Our campaign will be like no other in Oregon history – because the stakes for Oregon’s future have never been higher. Freed from the distraction of a primary election, I will formally launch my general election campaign after the first of the year. Until then, I will be listening to Oregonians, raising money, and building a first-rate campaign organi-
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Sen. Betsy Johnson has announced her candidacy for Oregon Governor.
zation. Next summer, I will be nominated for Oregon Governor by the people through the power of their signatures. Taking on the entrenched two parties will be difficult and expensive. Oregon’s state motto is “She Flies with Her Own Wings”. But this Oregonian can’t
fly anywhere without your early and generous financial support. The decision to run independent of any party, by law, requires me to give-up my Democratic Party registration by next Spring. Rest assured, my bedrock values will not change. I was raised in a moderate Republican
family and became a Democrat because the Republican Party had moved too far to the right. For twenty years, I’ve been an independentminded, pro-choice, projobs Democrat proudly serving the people of Northwest Oregon. This is who I am. Governor Tom McCall, in his first inaugural address, urged Oregonians to “put aside the temptations to be guided by regionalism, factionalism, or anything which fragments the public interest.” Tom McCall was a maverick Governor the likes of which we have not seen since. I believe we need leadership that reaches beyond partisan labels and geographic boundaries and that unites Oregonians around our shared values. As I begin this exciting and important journey, there is only one thing I need to know – will you join me? Sincerely, Betsy Johnson
Sen. Johnson serves Senate District 16, which includes the cities of Clatskanie, Rainier, St. Helens, Tillamook, Astoria, and Seaside. The race Several others have also announced or indicated their intention to run as a candidate for Oregon Governor in 2022, including Democrats Speaker of the House Tina Kotek and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam, who brought an exploratory effort to St. Helens earlier this year, and Bud Pierce are running as Republicans. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof said he is also considering a bid to be Oregon Governor. Under Oregon’s term limits, current Governor Kate Brown cannot see an additional term.
Property tax statements in the mail • The office is located on the second floor of the Courthouse at 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. • Tax payments can be made on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Masks are required for service. • Physical distancing guidelines must be followed.
SUBMITTED BY COLUMBIA COUNTY
Columbia County expects to begin mailing property tax statements, a combination valuation notice and tax bill, to property owners during the week of Oct. 18, 2021. Property owners should receive statements from the Columbia County Tax Collector by Oct. 30th. Property tax payments are due by Nov. 15, 2021. The County recognizes that members of the community are experiencing economic challenges because of COVID-19. However, Oregon state law sets the deadline that property tax payments are due and requires the county to charge interest on properties with delinquent tax amounts. Columbia County does not have the authority to waive interest charges as a result of late property tax payments, and the Oregon State Legislature has not, at this time, extended the property tax deadline. Property owners can receive a discount by paying in full or pay in installments to better manage the obligation. Taxpayers who pay the full 2021 property tax by Nov. 15, 2021, or submit a full payment postmarked by that date will receive a 3%
Convenience fees
Oregon law requires the county to charge interest on properties with delinquent tax amounts.
discount. Taxpayers who pay two-thirds of the 2021 property tax by Nov. 15, 2021, or have the two-thirds payment postmarked by that date, will receive a 2% discount. Taxes may also be paid — without discount — in three, onethird installments due Nov. 15, 2021; Feb. 15, 2022; and May 15, 2022. To protect the health and safety of the Columbia County community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the County is encouraging people to pay using one of our contact-free options below.
How taxpayers can pay their taxes • Online: Visit columbiacountyor.gov/pay-online for more information on the various online payment options including electronic check. Convenience fees apply. • By phone: 1-866587-4007, Point and Pay’s automated phone system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options include an electronic check, credit, and debit card. Convenience fees apply. • 24-hr drop box: Our contact-free payment drop box
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
is located in the North parking lot of the Columbia County Courthouse. It will be checked each business day for payments to be applied to property tax accounts. Checks only, no cash. • By mail: Send only a check or money order, do not mail cash. Your canceled check is proof of payment. Remember to sign your check and apply the proper postage to the envelope. Mail payments early to avoid any problems with postmarking at the post office. Make your check payable to Columbia County Tax Collector or C.C.T.C.
Mail all property tax payments to: • Columbia County Tax Collector, 230 Strand St. St. Helens, OR 97051 (Include your Tax ID #) In-person payments Our Tax Clerks accept cash or check with no additional fees. Credit and Debit Card payments are accepted with the corresponding convenience fee. Tax payments can be made at the Columbia County Tax Office. Taxpayers coming to pay in person, please understand:
• Convenience fees are charged by Point & Pay, our online Payment Service Provider. • Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are 2.5% of the payment amount. • E-check is a flat fee of $1.50. • MasterCard Debit Card is 2.5% of the payment amount. • Visa Debit is a flat fee of $3.95. For specific property account information (values, taxes, balances due, etc.), please visit columbiacountyor.gov/departments/ TaxOffice/find-property-taxrecords. All Columbia County offices will be closed on Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Oregon’s unemployment, a remarkable recovery STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% in September from 5.0%, as revised, in August, according to the Oregon Employment Department. “This is a remarkable improvement from the worst labor force impacts of the COVID recession when 270,000 Oregonians were jobless in April 2020,” a release from the Oregon Employment Department states. “However, there is still ground to make up to approach the average of 82,000 Oregonians unemployed during 2017 through 2019, during the tight labor market of the prior economic expansion” The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% in September from 5.2% in August. In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment declined by 200 in September, following
a revised gain of 8,900 jobs in August. Monthly gains averaged 10,200 during January through August. Job reductions in September were largest in government (-3,800 jobs) and construction (-1,400). These losses were balanced by substantial gains in professional and business services (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+2,200); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,000 jobs). The private sector added 3,600 jobs in September, continuing the steady private-sector expansion that averaged 4,600 jobs added per month over the past six months. Government job losses in September were concentrated in local government where some K-12 schools added fewer employees than is typical at the start of the school year. Other local government employers are still well below their staffing
levels seen two years ago, prior to the recession. Leisure and hospitality added 2,200 jobs in September, following a gain of 1,200 in August. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still account for the bulk of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020, with 42,100 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 62% of jobs lost early in the pandemic. Professional and technical services has grown at a rapid rate throughout 2021, and is now well above its pre-recession peak. This industry added 11,800 jobs since the low point in April 2020. Most of the jobs in the broader industry are found in firms providing services in the areas of legal, architectural, engineering, computer systems design, management consulting, research, and veterinary.
Health care open enrollment The federal government qualify for financial ashas extended the annual sistance, and also decreased open enrollment period the amount of premium that to purchase private health consumers are responsible insurance for the 2022 plan to pay before tax credits are year from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. available. Along with the extenMore than 80% of sion, Oregonians will have Oregonians have been the opportunity to access determined to be eligible the most financial savings for financial help through that have ever been availthe Marketplace since April able through the Oregon 1 when American Rescue Health Insurance MarketPlan provisions took effect. place due to the American Oregonians are receivRescue Plan. The American ing an average of $437 Rescue Plan initiated addiper month in premium tional savings by removing tax credits to reduce their the upper income limit to monthly premium under the Columbia County’s trusted local news source
expanded eligibility. Still need health coverage for 2021? You may be able to enroll under a special enrollment period. Start at OregonHealthCare.gov to get to the right application or to find an insurance agent or community partner organization to help complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge. This help is available virtually, on the phone, and in person following safety protocols.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
There were 2,082,421 employed and 88,944 unemployed in Oregon in September.
From The Board of Directors of the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company located in Columbia County, Oregon: The Beaver Drainage Improvement Company supports responsible development within the Beaver Drainage District. However, NEXT ENERGY’s proposed wetlands mitigation site to be constructed within the Beaver Drainage District Boundaries has many flaws and could place immense regulatory burdens upon our shareholders. Therefore, after much consideration and extensive research, Beaver Drainage Improvement Company has recommended denial of NEXT ENERGY’s Application Number APP0063077. For more information, the full Public Comment Letter submitted on behalf of the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company to Oregon Department of State Lands on September 24th, 2021 can be viewed on either The Clatskanie Chief or St. Helens Chronicle website.
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Friday, October 22, 2021
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SMART reading program receives $2,500 grant STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Children’s literacy nonprofit SMART Reading has received a $2,500 grant from the Windermere Foundation to continue providing critical reading support to children in Columbia and Clatsop counties. “The Windermere Foundation is proud to be an ongoing partner and sponsor with the SMART program. Working with children in our communities through the SMART program is a lasting bond that lingers for years beyond just the time
spent with them and is a building block or success in their futures,” Windermere Foundation representative Pam Ackley said. Windermere Coast Offices are a member of the Clatsop Association of Realtors. For three decades, SMART Reading has paired community volunteers with pre-kindergarten through third-grade students for inperson, one-on-one reading sessions. The organization also provides students with new books to keep. “We’re so grateful to our community partners
for their ongoing support,” SMART Reading Executive Director Chris Otis said. “It’s been a challenging year for kids, and the type of support SMART provides - individualized reading sessions and a fun experience with books - is more important than ever.” Given the ongoing health precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SMART Reading organizers said they have focused on continuing to get books to students - distributing over 2,364 books to students during the 2020-21 school year - and has new virtual
• OSP received a report from an ODFW fish checker at the Rainier boat ramp regarding an angler who came in with a native coho salmon, which is currently illegal to keep. The fisherman thought the fish was a native chinook salmon, which is legal to keep. The man was issued a warning for take/ possession of non-adipose fin clipped coho salmon and the fish was seized and will be donated to charity.
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Oct. 13 • At approximately 6:01 a.m. OSP troopers responded to a two vehicle crash near milepost 46 on Highway 30. A white passenger car was traveling
Oregon State Police Oct. 12 • At approximately 1:37 p.m.
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models for providing reading support for its students. For the current school year, SMART Reading is serving 200 students at Pacific Ridge, Warrenton, Astor and Clatskanie elementary schools. Each student will pick out fourteen new books to keep and share with their family. Recent national studies by Reading Is Fundamental and the Stanford Graduate School of Education show that kids’ progress in reading has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. “This is a huge concern for our community because
reading is a gateway skill that opens the door to success in school and beyond,” says SMART Reading Program Manager Paula Seid. “These studies point to the need for more reading practice time, motivation around reading, and socialemotional support -- all things we provide through our virtual programs, and all things these grants will help fund.” SMART Reading is a statewide children’s literacy nonprofit that serves children in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for lit-
eracy and learning success: One-on-one reading time and access to books. SMART organizers said they mobilize volunteers to read with pre K through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. Since 1992, SMART has paired over 146,000 volunteers to read with 250,000 children, and have put 3 million books in the homes of the children that SMART serves.
tion on Sauvie Island regarding a duck hunter who had come in with two pintails when the daily bag limit is one. The hunter stated he thought the birds were teals and not pintails. The hunter was issued a warning for exceeding daily bag limit of game birds and the extra duck was seized for donation.
species. The hunter was issued a warning for take/possession game bird closed season and the duck was seized for donation. • At approximately 6:11 p.m. An OSP trooper responded to a report of a non-injury, single vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 52. The driver of Unit #1 (dark blue Toyota) struck a deer, causing minor damage to the vehicle. The driver was uninjured and drove the vehicle from the scene. There were no signs of the deer.
Visit www.SMARTReading.org or call 877-5984633 to learn more.
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eastbound when it braked for a deer in the Highway and was rear ended by a black SUV. There were no injuries, the SUV was driven from the scene and the passenger car was towed at a later time. Oct. 14 • At about 7:22 p.m. Troopers responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 30 near milepost 18. Troopers were told a gold Chevrolet pickup was swerving into both lanes and almost crashing into multiple vehicle’s heading west bound. Troopers located and stopped the Chevrolet on Gable Road in St. Helens. The driver was displaying multiple indicators
of impairment and consented to performing the standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUII and reckless driving. The driver consented to a breath test and gave a BAC of 0.00%. The driver refused to consent to a blood draw and a warrant was obtained. Two vials of blood were later seized as evidence. The driver was booked, cited and released from the Columbia County Jail. The Chevrolet was towed by Grumpys Towing. Oct. 18 • At 11:22 a.m. OSP received a report from an ODFW employee at the east side check sta-
Oct. 20 • At about 1:30 p.m. OSP received a report from an ODFW employee at the eastside check station on Sauvie Island regarding a duck hunter who came in with a scaup, whose season is currently closed. The hunter stated he misidentified the bird thinking it was another
The Rainier, St. Helens, Scappoose Police and Columbia County Sheriff’s logs were not immediately available.
•O bituaries • • Michael T. Farmer
Jan. 18, 1950 ~ Oct. 2, 2021 Michael passed away Oct. 2, 2021 at Sunnyside Hospital. Michael was born in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 18, 1950 to Teddy and Edna Farmer. He was raised and graduated from Lake Oswego High School. Michael had several jobs. He worked at the cement plant in Portland, Oregon and later he became the Maintenance Supervisor at the Steel Mill. His favorite job was when he became a long-haul truck driver. Michael was an avid hunter. His favorite time of the year was going hunting at Murders Creek, where his dad and mom started taking him hunting and camping when he was a little boy. He continued to hunt and camp in that area until this year. He met and married Sharon Dykstra (Foultner) where
they resided in Rainier, Oregon for 23 years. He leaves behind his wife Sharon; stepdaughter Julia (Brian) Kitts of Rainier, Oregon; stepson Mark (Kendra) Dykstra of Longview, Washington; sons, David Farmer of Bend
Oregon, Kenny Farmer of Kalama, Washinton, and Darren Farmer of Wisconsin; brothers-in-law, Donald Foultner of Lincoln City, Oregon, John and Donna Foultner of Toutle, Washington, Dan and Heather Foultner of Rainier, Oregon, Wes and Dawn Foultner of Utah, and Kevin and Nellie Foultner of Toutle, Washington; four granddaughters, Ali Harris, Gracie Dykstra, Annabelle Dykstra, and Corabelle Dykstra; nephew Lucas Farmer; several other nieces and nephews; lifelong friend Jim Sollis; and close friend Jim McGlone. His celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2021 at Alston Corner Assembly of God Church, with fellowship and potluck following.
Shirley Curtis
Nov. 16, 1944 ~ Oct. 6, 2021 Shirley Curtis passed away on Oct. 6, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 13, 2021 at Bunker Hill Cemetery with a social following at Steele Chapel.
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“We want to serve our community,” she said. “If they don’t have it, they don’t have it. We’re doing the best with the cards we’re given.” According to Ketels, maintaining inventory was most challenging in the first few months of the pandemic. “We order twice a week. Normally it just takes two or three days to get back in stock on something,” he said. “But during the pandemic and then with a certain category being out of stock, we’ve been out of certain products for three or four months.” Breaking down the numbers According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) freight mobility data, 60% of goods leaving and 70% of goods coming into Oregon are transported across state lines. Oregon Office of Economic Analysis Economist Josh Lehner breaks down the figures with a simple analogy. “If you go to Home Depot, a lot of the wood you’re going to buy is locally made wood, right? But if you go to the grocery store and you buy bananas, you know none of the bananas are grown,” he said. “It’s a measure of what do we make and buy here versus
what do we buy here that we have to import.” Lehner said he believes a 14% spike in U.S. consumer spending, based on projections from 2017-2019 data, is responsible for the supply chain disruption. Lehner writes in an Oct. 5 blog post that although U.S. production is returning to pre-pandemic levels, COVIDrelated supply chain issues, such as workers on sick leave, warehouses and factories operating at or near capacity, or a lack of employees can’t be resolved fast enough to keep up with customer demand. “We’re doing that over time, right? We’re adding more truck drivers, more warehouse workers and delivery drivers (in Oregon). All those are increasing,” Lehner told The Chief. “Those can’t increase 15% overnight, but consumer spending can increase 70% overnight.” In Lehner’s blog, he states that although supply chains are breaking down all over the nation, Oregon is protected, to a certain degree, from more severe downstream consequences. “Here in Oregon we have good and bad news. Our manufacturers rely on imported intermediate goods less than most other states,” he said. “Additionally, the movement of freight is relatively smaller in Oregon than most other states. This means the supply chain problems disrupt a somewhat smaller slice of
the regional economy than is the case in the Midwest, for example.” When will the disruption end? According to Lehner, a full recovery from the supply chain disruption could take several months. “From an economic growth perspective what matters isn’t just when things normalize, but when do things stop getting worse. It is possible that we are currently at or near peak supply chain problems, but still quarters away from any return to normal,” he wrote. Lehner also said there is a silver lining. “The silver lining today is vendor delivery times are no longer worsening economywide — they’re terrible but not getting worse in recent months — and business investment is strong,” he wrote. “Supply chain improvements should be coming, but we’re a long way from normal.” In an online Chief poll, we asked readers if they were worried about the increasing consumer product supply disruption. Of those who responded as of Thursday, Oct. 21, 58% said they were worried, 42% said they were not worried. Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, October 22, 2021
•V iewpoints • •
Investing in our future, one business at a time PAUL VOGEL Chief Guest Column
Starting or running a small business can be the most fulfilling and challenging thing to do, all at the same time. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy; we all count on them and often take them for granted. Locally, we are missing resources to help our small businesses be as successful as they can be. The pandemic and resulting economic disruption underscored that in red, but also offer a unique opportunity to fix it. Columbia Economic Team has a plan for a Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) that will contain a Small Business Development Center, or SBDC.
This is a huge step forward in recovery, resilience and a small business sector that will sustain our communities for generations.
We’ve never had one locally, and while the pandemic exposed that shortfall, pandemic relief funding provides the resources to correct that. Columbia Economic
Team has approached each of our city and county leaders to commit American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to establish an SBRC. The statewide SBDC Network has committed to fund the rest, so we’ll have our own local Center for the first time plus a statewide network of resources and capacity. Who is it for? It’s for each of our communities, and maybe it’s just right for you, too. Do you have an idea for a business but it’s not off the ground yet? Or your business is up and running, the door is open, but you’re not yet profitable; things still feel new or uncertain. Maybe your business is generating consistent income, you regularly see new customers and you’re looking at new opportunities to grow. Or you need adjustment to changing business conditions, necessitating new processes and big decisions to move your business forward. Perhaps you’re preparing for the next stage, ready to make a big change in your ownership and exit to new opportunities. If any of those sound like you or someone you know, our local Columbia Small Business Resource Center will be here for you all, providing these services and more:
• Advising -- confidential and provided at no cost, to help with planning, analyzing cash flow, accessing capital, marketing, hiring and more. Experienced advisers bring important skills and perspectives to help businesses thrive. • Training -- to learn the skills you need for a successful business. Experienced instructors teach classes on marketing, bookkeeping, human resources, business planning and other topics businesses need to master for success. In the classroom and online, businesses owners learn from each other as well as instructors, developing important skills that lead to thrive. • The Capital Access Team, specialized advisers focused on helping local businesses access the capital needed to launch or grow. Many are former lenders who understand the local capital landscape and help businesses determine the best path forward. • The Global Trade Center helps Oregon businesses connect to the global market with specific advising and training to succeed internationally, available to all Oregon small businesses at no cost through our local SBDC. • The Market Research Institute delivers actionable business intelligence, using the latest business research tools to provide no-cost and low-cost reports to help small
business owners —that’s you -- make better market-building decisions. • SCALE Oregon helps growing, established tradedsector companies reach the next level with specialized advising, CEO mentoring and opportunity to access other services including market research, business planning, and financial analysis. • The Small Business Management Program is a unique combination of classroom learning and one-onone advising. For up to three years, business owners really learn how to run a successful small business while collaborating with peers. • Special assistance with Spanish-speaking advisers who are often trusted members of the Latino community, providing 1:1 advising at no cost, helping small business owners start and grow. • SBDCs partner with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, offering classes for new contractors that meet the CCB’s 16-hour study requirement to be eligible for the Licensing Exam. • If it’s time to leave a business you’ve spent years creating, SBDC transition assistance advisers help business owners create plans to help make the process easier to transition from one party to the next, whether family members, employees or third parties.
• Oregon’s SBDCs help business owners with Disaster Resilience Planning to prepare for the worst before the worst happens – like the pandemic. From accounting file cloud back-up to supply chain risks, preparing for employee emergencies to financial planning and risk mitigating tools. The past 18 months have shown us that nothing is more important. • Add to that SBDC Cybersecurity and Innovation programs to help protect against cyber threats and obtain grants for innovative solutions. • SBDCs also help small businesses recover from disasters, assisting with access to federal resources, budgeting, cash flow, and understanding state assistance programs and the needs of the whole business, supported by the statewide network, specially trained advisers, and resources. • Our SBDC will use proven business tools like GrowthWheel, a visual toolbox that helps business owners make better decisions and take action with their business, and is offered free of charge, exclusively, to Oregon SBDC clients. • Or LivePlan, advanced software that simplifies business planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance tracking for small businesses, available at no cost for Oregon SBDC clients.
• And Bizminer, accessible to business advisers and directors at each SBDC, providing industry statistical reports, including financial analysis benchmarks at national, local and zip code levels. You’ll notice “at no cost” throughout these offerings -- once we have an SBDC. Invaluable, highly accessible assistance is what we’re asking our local leaders to invest in, along with the statewide Network, the cities of St. Helens, Vernonia, Columbia City, Clatskanie, Scappoose, and private individuals have invested already. Rainier and the County Board of Commissioners are currently considering the plan. We’re very close to full funding as a four-year start-up, enough time for the Center to prove its worth and get traction, just like a good business. On behalf of the 1,400 small businesses here today and the hundreds more we want to see tomorrow, this is a huge step forward in recovery, resilience and a small business sector that will sustain our communities for generations. Paul Vogel is the executive director of the Columbia County Economic Team. He may be reached at 503-4101061, or at paulvogel@ columbiacountyoregon.com.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness & Action Month JANELLE ADAMS Chief Guest Column
It is that time of year where we take a moment to call attention to the pattern of coercive control that hides in the darkness of so many homes. This is the time we evaluate the safety of the families within these homes and realize that we need to take action and bring awareness to the oppressing pattern of abusive behavior and its traumatizing effects upon those who are abused. In order to understand the importance of awareness, you must understand that one of the first stages of domestic violence is isolation. Isolation is the act of separating something from other things. The abuser uses the isolation tactic to keep the abuse hidden and the person experiencing abuse under the control of the abuser. Isolating the person can keep them from having a network of assistance and gaining resources to help them escape the unsafe relationship. When someone has been isolated from family and friends it is hard for them to seek help and to express their safety concerns. We also must remember that these relationships do not start out abusive. The abuser may come into the relationship as charming,
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Questioning the statement I question Suzanne Bonamici’s statement about “building back better” and “investing in Oregon’s infrastructure.” If this indeed was the case, we would all be happy. But this bill is full of DC pork and can only be classified as a fake infrastructure bill. It is quite obvious to anyone with a brain that we are not “building back better.” We have a border disaster, out of control crime, drug addiction, extreme inflation, and a pan-
captivating, and a supportive partner. Once the relationship becomes connected and a bond has formed, things change into a controlling trap that can break the confidence and strength of the person experiencing abuse. This all makes ending the cycle of abuse difficult. When we spread awareness, we teach people that they have options and their is life free of abuse and control. Planting that seed of safety and hope for people can end the cycle of abuse and make them survivors that can thrive to live a happy and safe life. It all begins with creating space for awareness. So how can we take action? • Ask the hard questions. If you see or feel red flags: Are you safe? It can be the moment of opportunity that they need. • Believe them and let them know that they are not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 women and 1 of 8 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime. • Refer to local services for safety planning and/or counseling that can help the person experiencing domestic violence thrive and hopefully end the cycle of abuse. To all those out there that have been affected by domestic violence; you are
of the
not alone. To all those out there that are supporting the fight against domestic violence, thank you. Support for survivors and people working with survivors is always available. • SAFE of Columbia County 24 hour crisis line, 503-397-6161 • National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800799-7233. • Connect with local confidential advocates and DV crisis lines with this interactive map. Search by location, language, or service type. • National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673. • National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-3737888. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. Janelle Adams is an advocate from SAFE of Columbia County. She may be reached at 503-396-2538, or at https://safeofcolumbiacounty.org.
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demic that’s been politicized and poorly managed. So what does she talk about? “Climate change.” “Indigenous people’s day” “workforce development,” and a whole bag of symbolic gestures that have nothing to do with the health and well-being of Oregon and America’s citizens. “Build Back better.” Hollow words that we can clearly see, have failed at all levels. She then says; (in her own words) “Everyone should have the freedom to decide what is best for their own health and family,” a reference to promoting a woman’s right to abortion. But then
you don’t have the right to choose whether or not to receive a vaccine that you may not need or might have both short- and long-term effects. The hypocrisy runs deep here and only shows that “parroted” political party bias with scripted agendas, overrun rather than help what’s in the peoples best interest. We can no longer afford to get duped by political agendas. Reason and common sense go a long way. Bonamici represents her party, not you. Brad Vanek Rainier
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Friday, October 22, 2021
CC21-1522
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the
Clatskanie Cultural Center. Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the July 28th 2021 regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held
to review a request for a setback variance for 1497 NW Geraldine Drive, (Tax Lot 7409-CA-00148). An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Oct. 22nd, 2021.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN CC21-1523
That the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan Update Lewis & Clark, OlneyWallooskee Citizen Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 28, 2021, via GoTo Meeting. The committee will continue to discuss the Lewis & Clark, Olney-Wallooskee Community Plan. Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Lewis & Clark, Olney Wallooskee Citizens Advisory Committee Please join my meeting from your com-
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puter, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/823377253 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (312) 757-3119 Access Code: 823-377-253 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting. com/install/823377253. All documents are available for inspection at the Clatsop County Planning Division at 800 Exchange St, Suite
100, by appointment during normal business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at no cost. Paper copies may also be obtained at reasonable cost. The full agenda packet is posted at: https:// www.co.clatsop.or.us/ lewisandclarkcac/meeting/ lewis-clark-olney-wallooskee-citizens-advisorycommittee. If you have questions about this matter or need more information, please contact the Planning Division at (503) 325-8611 or at comdev@co.clatsop. or.us.
CC21-1521
CIRCUIT COURT OF OREGON FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY Estate of WILLIAM CARL PATTERSON, Deceased. No. 21PB06180 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS ORS 113.155. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in ORS Chapter 115 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the
claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. All persons having claims against the estate must present them within four months after the date of the first publication of the notice to the Personal Representative at the address designated in the notice for the presentation of claims or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the Personal Representa-
tive, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Date of First Publication: October 15, 2021. JOHNNY M. HILL, Personal Representative, 2429 50th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. Attorneys for Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. CLAXTON (OSB #961375) WALSTEAD MERTSCHING PS, Civic Center Building, Third Floor, 1700 Hudson Street, PO Box 1549, Longview, Washington 98632-7934, Telephone: (360) 423-5220.
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Friday, October 22, 2021
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• Oct. 22-23, 29-30, and 31 Haunted House Beaver Homes Grange Haunted House from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 31105 Beaver Homes Road in Rainier. Due to the pandemic, face coverings are required for everyone over 5-years-old. Adults $6. Kids 6-10 $4. Seniors 60+ / Military with I.D. $5. Funds collected will be used to support the Grange and local nonprofits. For more information, call 503556-0324.
•C ommunit y E vents • • Oct. 31 Drive Through Trunk-or-Treat TheColumbiaCountySheriff’sOfficeinpartnershipwithColumbia 911 Communications District will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treatfrom4p.m.-7p.m.at58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens. The agencies are currently seeking anysmallbusinessesorcommunitypartnersthatwouldliketohost atrunk.Formoreinformationand to reserve your spot by Oct. 15, contactMalindaDuranatmalinda. duran@columbiacountyor.gov.
Nov. 13-14 Holiday Bazaar Look for over 25 local artists and craftspeople to will help you prepare for the holidays at the From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Caples House Holiday Bazaar. See a wide variety of gift items at one place, including framed nature photography, Native American art and regalia, quilts, jewelry, ceramics,
dried gourds, baskets, leather bags, glassware, metal art, candles, soaps, toys, and so much more. Free admittance. Snacks and lunch for sale in theTea Cottage. Silent auction with stuffedThanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Caples House Museum is located at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390oremailCaplesHouse@comcast.net.
Oregon’s leading agricultural commodities production value decreases. Rounding out the top 20 agriculture and fisheries commodities by value of production:
STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The 2020 crop year is one to be celebrated by the 37,200 farms and ranches that make up Oregon’s diverse agricultural community, including those in Columbia County, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Oregon is home to more than 225 commodities, everything from cattle to cherries to hazelnuts and hay. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presented several new challenges and opportunities for agriculture statewide, according to the department’s latest agricultural commodities list report. Growers and producers responded and adapted quickly to meet the needs of Oregonians. Oregon’s greenhouse and nursery industry experienced a COVID-19 boon with value of production topping one billion dollars for a second year in a row. Industry experts say the “stay home” orders meant boosted sales nationwide as more people took up gardening and landscaping. Historically, greenhouse and nursery and cattle and calves remain two of the top commodities by value of production. New to Oregon’s top 10 are cherries and hazelnuts. Cherries experienced a 78% increase in the value of production. High demand for
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Oregon’s greenhouse and nursery industry experienced a COVID-19 boom with value of production topping one billion dollars for a second year in a row. Industry experts say the “stay home” orders meant boosted sales nationwide as more people took up gardening and landscaping.
Oregon cherries meant higher prices for growers in 2020. Oregon is currently the third largest producer of cherries in the nation, supplying 17% of the U.S. market. Hazelnuts had a re-cord year with a nearly 24% increase in production and a nearly 57% increase in value of production. Hazelnut acreage has grown over the past 10 years from about 30,000 acres to over 80,000 acres. Nearly 100% of the hazelnuts produced commercially in the U.S. are grown in the Willamette Valley. Oregon’s top-10 valued commodities by value for the 2020 crop year are: 1. Greenhouse and nursery, $1,188,911,000 2. Cattle and calves, $587,848,000 3. Hay, $569,160,000
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4. Milk, $557,348,000 5. Grass seed, $458,367,000 6. Wheat, $273,760,000 7. Potatoes, $216,810,000 8. Grapes for wine, $157,900,000 9. Cherries, $133,826,000 10. Hazelnuts, $132,300,000 A majority of Oregon’s agricultural commodities in the top 20 saw an increase in value of production including eggs (+29%), onions (+9%), potatoes (9%), sweet corn (+8%), Dungeness crab (+7%), hops (+4%), Christmas trees (+2%), apples (+1%), and milk (+1%).On the downside, grapes for wine experienced a decrease of 34%, while hay (-16%), blueberries (-11%), grass seed (-11%), pears (-10%), cattle and calves (-6%), and wheat (-3%) also recorded
11. Blueberries, $119,648,000 12. Onions, $118,665,000 13. Christmas trees, $106,912,000 14. Pears, $97,552,000 15. Corn, grain, $77,542,000 16. Hops, $74,812,000 17. Eggs, $72,999,000 18. Dungeness crab, $72,643,709 19. Sweet corn, $41,034,000 20. Apples, $39,208,000 These newly released statistics are primarily from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) compiled in collaboration with Dave Losh, Oregon State Statistician. The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon Wine Board also provided estimates. Please note, hemp is not included in the agricultural commodities list. Beginning this month, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin collecting information on the acreage, yield, production, price, and value of hemp in the United States. Results will be available in 2022.
ClatskanieMiddle/High SchoolSportsSchedule
Friday Oct. 22 • HS Football @ Rainier: Cancelled due to Clatskanie player shortage Saturday Oct. 23 • HS Volleyball League Playoffs • HS Girls Soccer vs. Banks (@Rainier) Tuesday Oct. 26 • HS Volleyball
League Championship: TBD • HS Girls Soccer vs. Valley Catholic (@ Rainier) • MS Football @ Warrenton (vs. Scappoose) Friday Oct. 29 • Cross Country Districts @Sherwood MS • HS Football vs. Blanchet Catholic